What Is Keratomalacia?

Keratomalacia is a severe non-inflammatory eye condition characterized by a hazy, dry cornea that becomes softened and denuded (loss of protective layer), which when liquified is then irreversibly destroying the eyeball and causing blindness.

The conjunctiva and lacrimal glands (tear producing) are also affected resulting in ulceration of the eye surface with, or without, Bitot’s spots (foamy patches) because these tissues also require adequate vitamin A to function normally.

The conjunctiva is the mucous membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the eyeball surface, also called the white of eye.

Q: What does the term keratomalcia mean?

A: In the term keratomalcia, kerato refers to the cornea and malacia means softening of the tissues.

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